Meet Jabril A. Battle | Hip Hop Artist, Composer & Screenwriter.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jabril A. Battle aka Metaphor The Great and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Metaphor The Great, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in NJ, but I “grew up” in NC, when I moved there at 22 yrs. old. Me, Crack, AIDS, and Hip Hop are the same age. These factors fostered a World of experiences and understanding and empathy for others, that I convey via Music and Content.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I feel guilty saying it’s “my Art”, I don’t feel like it’s mine, it’s given to me and I create a way to convey it. Ironically, the only thing that separates me from other Artist/People is the fact that I know I am part of the people, we’re all connected. I’m proud of the things that encouraged people or made them laugh. I love letting them know they are not alone in anything they go through! Sure life get’s tough at times, but you’re tougher! The animated series “The Boondocks” introduced me to the World, I am eternally grateful as The Boondocks has become a timeless Cult Classic, even prophetic in some cases, lol. Aaron McGruder overheard my music one day when Carl Jones was listening to it. We got on the phone and the rest was History. I talk all about it in my new One Man Show “The Boondockalypse; Finding The Comfort In Discomfort.”.<shameless plug.. It has not been easy per se, but I love Creating so it never feels like work. So many lessons I’ve learned, but a big one is that success doesn’t happen with a “Big Break”, but rather a series of little cracks. My brand is honest, my image is me and I hope you can see the you in me and the me in you! I talk all about it in my new One Man Show “The Boondockalypse; Finding The Comfort In Discomfort.”.<shameless plug. lolll

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Griffith Observatory! (I’m a Space Nerd and self proclaimed Ufologist). The LaBrea Tar Pits, because I’m a nerd in general. South Central LA, because it played such an important part in Hip Hop and American Culture. Armenian food, Thai Food, Taco TRUCKS, (very important we emphasize trucks here). We’d hang DTLA, Silver Lake, Echo Park, East Hollywood. I’m really boring to hang with, and I always take people through Skid Row to keep them grounded. I lived there for 4 months.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My big Sister Lisa was my first favorite Rapper. My Uncle Loulee took me to my first Run Dmc Concert.. Shimrock Harris my Big Brother helped me hone the skills. The DJ Cutmaster Cool V, let me know it was possible and to keep going! WJMH (102Jamz Greensboro), Shylinne Cole, Dj Horse Rainey. Aaron McGruder, Carl Jones, Upright Citizen’s Brigade LA and every single person I have ever met ever!

Website: https://soundcloud.com/metaphorthegreat

Instagram: @metaphorthegreat

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/metaphorthegreat-40aa5894/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/metaphorthegr8

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/metaphorthegreat

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3973061/?ref_=login

Image Credits
illustrations by Dana Lucci and Elementz Designs Unlimited.